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Posts Tagged ‘wine tasting’

Summer Wine Events

Posted on: June 11th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Savor the warm temperatures and the cool sensation of  a chilled Rosé, Gewürztraminer, Riesling or Chardonnay, or sample the luscious flavor of a Pinot Noir, Tempranillo or other red during one of these upcoming summer wine events.

Drink Pink Rosé Festival @ Patton Valley Vineyards
Saturday, July 13, 12-4 p.m.
Join 24 of the Willamette Valley’s finest Rosé producers at this fun and lively event. Stroll through Patton Valley’s vineyards, enjoy Spanish-inspired food prepared by Crown Paella & Coquine, and sample wines from 24 wineries, all while tapping your toes to live music from two bands. Tickets are $48 per person and are available for purchase online.

Oregon's Washington County Wine CountryCanines Uncorked Wine Tour
July 20,  11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind wine event! Enjoy a day of complimentary wine tastings at 11 dog-friendly wineries in the north Willamette Valley. Bring your dog wine tasting and buy a passport, your “License to Taste,” which opens the door to great wines, food and special dog-related activities sprinkled among the wineries. Passports are $40 per person, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the animals at the Oregon Humane Society.  For more details, visit the North Willamette Vintners website.

Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival @ Meriwether National Golf Club
August 9-10
The fifth annual Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival returns to Washington County at Meriwether National Golf Club to showcase Oregon’s culinary culture with dozens of world-class wineries, restaurants and numerous culinary artisans. More information and details will be announced closer to the event date on the official event Facebook page.

Forest Grove Uncorked!
August 17, 4-9 p.m.
Celebrate the splendor of Oregon food and drink on Main Street at Forest Grove UnCorked! This annual event features the area’s abundance of fine wineries, microbrews, good food and local music. Choose from more than a dozen wineries and breweries, a multitude of area restaurants and local craft food. Stroll Main Street enjoying live music and all there is to taste. Admission is $10, nominal tasting fees may apply. Must be 21 years or older. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fguncorked.com.

For more events, including single events at individual wineries, please visit our Events and Festivals Calendar, which is frequently updated.

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Want to submit a Washington County event to our calendar? Please drop us a line with your event details, images and other related content. (Read our Calendar of Events Inclusion Policy)

Celebrate Summer with New Tasting Rooms

Posted on: June 1st, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Oregon’s Washington County boasts more than 30 wineries, and the North Willamette Valley is the closest wine country to the city of Portland.  This summer, Washington County’s population will grow by three this summer, with the opening of these new tastings rooms.

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate  has been producing top-quality Pinot Noir grapes for more than 13 years at its vineyard located in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA). Blakeslee scored major points when, starting with the 2010 vintage, they enlisted veteran Napa Valley winemaker Robert Brittan (formerly of Stags’ Leap Winery) to craft their wines; varietals include Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. In May, Blakeslee Vineyards celebrated another milestone: the completion of its new tasting room, which opened to the public in May. In the tasting room visitors can choose from three different flights (white wines only, reds only and whites and reds), and picnic tables will be set up during summer months and when weather permits. Private tastings and tours also are available. (Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Ponzi Vineyards

Ponzi Vineyards, Photo by Adam Bacher Photography, courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards

Also located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, one of the pioneering families of Oregon wine is making history again with the opening of Ponzi Vineyards‘ new modern and comfy tasting room at the state-of-the-art winery facility in Sherwood. The new tasting room also ushers in a new wine country experience with sit-down, table service, complete with a server. Enjoy a flight of four wines ($20-$30); pair with charcuterie for a different experience ($30).  Tours of the gravity-flow winery with progressive tastings are also available ($30-$50). Guests are invited to bring blankets and picnics and enjoy a bottle of wine on the lawn, or lounge around the fire pit on the heated patio, which overlooks the valley below. This family-friendly winery also has bocce ball courts and will host events throughout the season. (Opening June 15, and open daily from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Provincial Vineyards, which specializes in growing Pinot wine grapes, opened its tasting room to the public in May. (Previously, Provincial Vineyards introduced its wines to visitors on Saturdays at the Smith Berry Barn.)
Provincial’s mission is to produce a world-class set of Oregon vineyard-driven wine varietals from owner estate grapes and now visitors can taste Provincial Vineyards’ Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris at its new tasting room ($2 for a three-wine flight). The location underwent major renovations and includes a new deck and new furniture, perfect for relaxing with a glass of Pinot.  Also new is a “wine-on-tap” system for the Pinot Gris pours, as well the introduction of Provincial’s “Merci Amis” wine club. (Open Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the spring and summer)

Plan your wine country vacation today. Find places to stay. | Browse Washington County’s wineries >>>   | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Related items:
Annual Wine Events
“Another Tasting Room Now Open” (Abbey Creek Winery)

Memorial Weekend in Wine Country

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Memorial Weekend in Wine Country, a popular annual event in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, returns with many wineries throughout the Washington County participating in this treasured tradition.

Regardless of what the weather may be like here in late May, this winery weekend is sure to be inviting and fun–and no tickets or advance sign-up is needed. Participating wineries are generally open May 25, 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check individual wineries for extended hours at select spots.

Here’s our rundown of events and offerings, by city,  during this lively weekend:

Beaverton

Ponzi Tasting_John Valls

Photo Courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards; photo by John Valls

Cooper Mountain Vineyards celebrates Memorial Weekend with live music, new releases, tasty appetizers and fantastic views. (Tasting fees: $10-20, includes logo glass)

Ponzi Vineyards will release its 2011 Chardonnay at the Ponzi Historic Estate, and will pull two vintages–produced from Dijon clones–from the library. (Tasting fees: $10/$15)

Cornelius

At Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, one of “10 wineries where the view is as good as the Pinot,” sample wares from local food artisans, as well as its “Vino di Tavola,” back by popular demand.  (Tasting fees: $10)

A Blooming Hill Vineyard is offering wedding anniversary chocolate cake, plus tastings of  its 2012 new releases.  (Tasting fee: $7)

Forest Grove

Apolloni Vineyards is offering tours of its newly opened underground wine cave, complete with barrel tastings! Plus, enjoy handcrafted charcuterie and sandwiches from Olympic Provisions of Portland–available for sampling and purchasing–to enjoy on the patio. (Tasting fee: $5)

At David Hill Vineyard and Winery’s historic farmhouse tasting room, taste a variety of estate-grown wines served in a logo glass to keep and light hors d’oeuvres, paired with live music. (Tasting fee: $10, includes logo glass)

Popcorn from Masala Pop paired with wine marks the Saturday festivities at Montinore Estate. New releases and wine specials will be available all weekend long. (Tasting fee: $10)

Gaston

Elk Cove Vineyards  is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the planting of its highly acclaimed Roosevelt Vineyard with a pouring of the vineyard’s first vintage, a 1996 Pinot Noir.  Elk Cove is opening the vault to additional library tastings, and will have limited bottles available for purchase. (Tasting fees vary)

New wine releases and two generations of Oregon winemaking and hospitality will be celebrated at Kramer Vineyards. (Tasting fee: $10)

Patton Valley Vineyard is featuring a six-wine flight, which includes four newly-released 2011 Pinot Noirs and the anticipated 2012 rosé, paired with stunning views, tasty nibbles and lively conversation. (Tasting fee: $10)

Hillsboro

Freja Cellars is breaking out its 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir, as well as releasing the new 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, paired with breads, cheeses and chocolates. (Tasting fee: $10, including logo glass; tastings are free if you bring your own Freja logo glass)

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit J. Albin Winery, which opens to the public only during special events. Sample the winery’s Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, sparkling wines and small-lot production of Cabernet (a rare find in the north Willamette Valley), paired with delicious cheese from Quail Run Creamery. (Tasting fee: $10)

Newberg

Anam Cara Cellars is unveiling its first unoaked Chardonnay, along with spring releases of rosé, Riesling and its ever-popular Gewürztraminer. (Tasting fee: $10)

Enjoy releases of 2012 whites, 2011 Tempranillo and new releases of Pinot Noir paired with fine meats and cheeses at Raptor Ridge Winery. (Tasting fee: $15; open Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Sherwood

Alloro Winery Allison George WEB

Alloro Winery; photo by Allison George

Sample a three-vintage vertical tasting of  Alloro Vineyard’s  Estate Pinot Noir, along with newly released rosé, Riesling and Chardonnay, paired with charcuterie. Additional tastings of limited-production Pinot Noir will be available in the barrel room. (Tasting fee: $10; $25 for the library tastings)

Tour the vineyard, taste limited production wines and current releases, including a preview of Sophia’s 2011 Pinot Noir, paired with hors d’oeuvres at Beckham Estate Vineyard’s tasting room and ceramic galley. (Tasting fee: $5; open weekend long, with reduced hours on Monday, 12-4 p.m.)

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate celebrates the opening of its new tasting room! Sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and rosé in a souvenir glass and paired with nibbles. (Tasting fee: $15)

Hawks View Cellars is opening its doors to the public this Memorial Weekend and is releasing its White Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, paired with a “Grapevine Barbecue.” (Tasting fee: $15; $25 for wine and food; open Saturday and Sunday only, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Quailhurst Vineyard celebrates Memorial Weekend with a Saturday-only event featuring its acclaimed wines paired with hors d’oeuvres, as well as self-guided tours of the historic estate Japanese gardens and dressage demonstrations (weather permitting).  (Tasting/Event fee: $20; Saturday only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

NOTE: This is not a complete list of Memorial Weekend happenings in Oregon’s Washington County. Be sure to consult our website for a complete list of  all area wineries and wine shops  in Oregon’s Washington County, and visit our Event Calendar for up-to-the-minute events throughout the weekend.

Source: Willamette Valley Wineries Association

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

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Mother’s Day Weekend in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: May 3rd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

If you’re in the area visiting your mother, or are planning to take her away for a Mother’s Day getaway, several events throughout Oregon’s Washington County will leave your mom feeling like a queen (and you will be anointed as the “favorite child” …  at least for the weekend).

Weekend-Long Events

NEW ADDITION: Alloro Vineyard winery is hosting a special chocolate and wine tasting this Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample exotic chocolates, paired with Alloro Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Local jewelry designer Jessica Moquin will be showing off her artisan wares at a special trunk show. Cost for the event is $15 per person.

The Barefoot Quilt Festival is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition.  The historic Jenkins Estate hosts this celebration of the art of quilting with displays, demonstrations and sales of quilt-related items, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, May 11-12.

Also an annual tradition, Smith Berry Barn celebrates “Mom”  during its Mother’s Day Open House, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 11-12, with samples of gourmet foods and fine teas.

Enjoy Mother’s Day weekend with wine tastings, food and music, hosted by Garden Vineyards (to be held at a special location: 23800 NW Meier Rd. Hillsboro), Friday, May 10, from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 12-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, per evening.

Saturday, May 11

Oregon’s largest all-agricultural market, the Beaverton Farmer’s Market, opens for the season at 8 a.m. More than 200 vendors, including Oregon Craft Distillers “local liquids,” where visitors can taste artisan beer, wine and spirits, and an impressive selection of flower baskets and bouquets, delicious baked goods and more. (Open Saturdays through November 23, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Apolloni Vineyards is unveiling its new Tuscan-inspired wine cave, from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy special tastings, featuring an exclusive selection of library wines, with vintages dating back to 2012. Italian-style appetizers, gourmet cheese and charcuteries will be served. Cost to attend the event is $20 per person.

Enjoy a mother-daughter run at this year’s Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon, starting at 8 a.m. This ladies-only event takes runners through Oregon’s Washington County’s flat, tree-lined streets, ending at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex in Hillsboro.

Sunday, May 12

NEW ADDITION: Plum Hill Vineyards is hosting a Mother’s Day Wine Brunch, with delicious offerings, such as empanadas, quiche, stuffed endive leaves, Meyer lemon tarts and hibiscus caramel candies, paired with Plum Hill Wines. Bruch is $27 and may be purchased at the tasting room or by calling 503-359-4706.

NEW ADDITION: Celebrate Mom at the Mother’s Day Brunch at McMenamins Grand Lodge, in the Compass Room Theater. The menu will include sugar snap pea salad with mint and pine nuts, tortellini salad, breakfast breads and pastries, cottage-fried red potatoes, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy and a lot more. Brunch is $26 for adults; $15 for kids (5-12): free for kids 4 and under. Reservations are required, 503-992-9533; toll free, 877-992-9533.

The Holiday Inn in Wilsonville is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This traditional buffet features carved prime rib, whole round of pork, oven-roasted salmon, pan-seared chicken scallopini, omelet station, taco bar, a variety of salads, signature desserts, chocolate fondue bar and more. Guests will enjoy unlimited coffee, orange juice and punch, and champagne for the adults. Prices are $25 per adult, $22 for seniors, $13 for children under 12, and free for kids under 5. Reservations are required, 503-682-2211.

Apolloni Vineyards is partnering with Sundial Specialty Baking for a Mother’s Day Brunch at 10 a.m. This four-course brunch will feature artfully crafted dishes, such as truffled deviled eggs, smoked salmon crepes, and sangria basil mousse served in a poppy seed cookie bowl. Each course will be paired with delightful white and rosé Apolloni wines. All-inclusive cost is $29. Reservations are required, 503-359-3606.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Garden Vineyards (23800 NW Meier Rd., Hillsboro). Enjoy brunch and live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and take a stroll through the lush private gardens until 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required, 503-547-9046.

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

 

A Closer Look at Our Cities: North Plains

Posted on: February 15th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Situated in northwestern Washington County, just off Highway 26, the main route between Portland and the Oregon Coast, the small city of North Plains packs quite a punch.  North Plains (population 1,700) is surrounded by lush farm land, and attracts throngs of sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers who flock to the area for its collection of activities, such as biking, golf, disc golf, and glider plane rides.

The North Plains Glider Port (Photo by Paul Loofburrow)

Play

Nestled in a picturesque wooded canyon is Horning’s Fishing and Picnic Hideout, a multi-activity attraction that offers fly fishing and cast and lure fishing, and also allows overnight tent and RV camping. Don’t let the name fool you, this pastoral “hideout” wears many hats, as it boasts three highly rated disc golf courses, is home to endurance sporting events, such as Warrior Dash, and holds several music festivals throughout the year – all of this, plus fishing, picnicking, hiking and more.

If golf is your game, tee up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, the famed, championship golf facility that has hosted many well-known golfers. Framed by spectacular vistas, Pumpkin Ridge has ranked among the country’s best courses to play for more than 20 years.

Take to the skies in a glider plane with a guided flight piloted by the Willamette Valley Soaring Club, which offers rides at the North Plains Glider Port (11870 NW Dersham Rd., North Plains) May through October (weather permitting).  Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Tualatin and Willamette Valleys while soaring 3,000 feet in the air. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a standard ride is $120.

Shop

During summer months,  visit the North Plains Farmers Market for a taste of local produce and artisan good (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 15-September 28). Year-round, browse the one-of-a-kind treasures at The Treasure Chest Antique Mall (open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Sip

Tantalize your tastebuds at one of Oregon’s Washington County’s newest wineries/tasting rooms: Abbey Creek Winery. This family run winery, which operates a vineyard estate not far from Washington County, produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and is open Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. (or by appointment).

Dine

Grab a burger and a brew at the Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery.  This unassuming restaurant, located in the city’s center, earns raves for its burgers and selection of microbrew beers. The joint is jumping on Friday nights with live music.  Or pop into the Old Hich-en Post for breakfast and lunch, or partake in their happy hour, which is daily from 3-7 p.m.

Mark Your Calendars

North Plains is home to several annual events, including the four-day bluegrass and Americana music fest, the Northwest String Summit (July 18-21, 2013) and the Warrior Dash endurance race (September 7, 2013).

Plan your North Plains and Oregon’s Washington County getaway today: Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Cure for the Wintertime Blues

Posted on: January 28th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

After the buzz of the holidays has worn off and the New Year’s resolutions are all but forgotten, there is still much to be excited about during these winter months. Located 90 minutes from Mt. Hood, a popular winter destination, and less than 30 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon’s Washington County is a hot cool-weather destination, with many things to do and see.

Elk Cove Vineyard in the winter (Photo: Janis Miglavs)

Sip Your Way Through North Willamette Wine Country
With more than 30 wineries open for business, enjoy flights of fancy with tastes of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and other varietals. Map out a self-guided wine tour of Oregon’s Washington County, and taste to your hearts content. Plus, if you visit in February, many wineries will be hosting Valentine’s Day-related events and special tastings!

Observe Birds of Prey at a Wildlife Preserve
The winter months are prime sightings for bald eagles, red tail hawks, turkey vultures and other birds of prey. Watch these birds in action at protected wildlife preserves, such as the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Bottom Wetlands and Fernhill Wetlands.  Read more about birding in Oregon’s Washington County. Catch a glimpse of some of the birds that can be found in Washington County  (watch the video).

Indulge in Tax-free Shopping 
From antiques and boutiques to specialty holiday shops, unique wares at reasonable prices (and tax-free) are found here. Select Oregon treasures from Made in Oregon,  Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals gift shop, or Oregon Orchards/Hazelnut Growers of Oregon. Get a jump on this year’s holiday shopping at Sleighbells Gift Shop or Miki’s Christmas Shop. “One-stop” retail centers include Bridgeport Village,  The Streets of Tanasbourne and Washington Square.

Relax with Locally Roasted Coffee & Tea
The Pacific Northwest is known for its coffee, and Oregon’s Washington County has a great selection of local roasters and coffee shops. A handful of local favorites include Longbottom Coffee & Tea, one of the area’s oldest, organic coffee roasters, plus Insomnia Coffee Company, Ava Roasteria and BJ’s Coffee Co. Or enjoy a lavish or casual tea at one of the area’s two tea houses: Tea Thyme & Lavender Vintage Antiques and Tea House and Tea’s Me.

Escape in Works of Art, or Create Your Own
Explore local art at one of Washington County’s art galleries. Or try your hand at making your own work of art at Live Laugh Love Glass, the area’s newest glass-blowing studio, or create a masterpiece to pour into a glass with your own wine blend made at Tigard Wine Crafters.

From bird watching to wine tasting, and many things in between, come see why this is one of the best seasons to explore the region. This winter, plan your escape to Oregon’s Washington County!

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Cornelius

Posted on: December 26th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Ardiri Winery and Vineyards (Photo by Allison George)

With a population under 10,000, Cornelius is a small city situated in the fertile Tualatin River Valley. At first glance, Cornelius is an agricultural paradise, where rolling hillsides, vineyards and farms abound. However, those in the know have discovered that beneath the rural exterior, Cornelius is home to hidden gems and world-renowned amenities, such as world-class wineries and one of the oldest golf courses in the Pacific Northwest.

Play

During summer months, visitors can pick strawberries, lavender, lilies, dahlias, gladiolas and a host of other floral varieties at Unger Farms.  A family-owned farm, Unger Farms is well known throughout the area for its plump, delicious berries, which sells at area farmers’ markets and grocery stores, as well as at its on-site farm store.  If golf is your game, play a round at Forest Hills Golf Course. Built in 1927, Forest Hills is a challenging course with 18 holes of rolling terrain among scenic farmlands.

Shop

Oregon produces 99 percent of the nation’s hazelnuts (also known as filberts). At Oregon Orchard Hazelnuts, a co-op of Hazelnut Farmers of Oregon, shoppers are greeted with a variety of hazelnut products, including roasted, salted, hickory-smoked, chocolate-covered and fruit-flavored.

Sip

Situated in the Chehalem Mountains American viticultural area (AVA), Cornelius is also home to three wineries:

  • Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, with spectacular views of the Tualatin Valley (in the northern Willamette Valley), open Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment
  • A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery, one of the newest (and smallest) wineries in Oregon’s Washington County, open Saturday-Sunday from 12-5 p.m. and by appointment
  • Gresser Vineyard, a small family-owned vineyard and winery that is open by appointment

Dine

There is no shortage of great Mexican restaurants in Cornelius, and one stretch of road holds court.  El Potrillo (1610 N. Adair St., Cornelius; 503-746-7199), Acapulco Restaurancito (113 N. Adair St., Cornelius; 503-372-6871) and Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant (1429 N. Adair St., Cornelius; 503-357-9410; mazatlanmexicanrestaurant.com) have all received positive reviews.

 

Introducing Ruby Vineyard & Winery

Posted on: November 6th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

While Beran Vineyards in Hillsboro is no longer, Ruby Vineyards is now in its place. This new family-owned operation is named for the precious red gem, which is fitting for its 7.25-acre space planted with Pinot grapes.

Old vines, new winery: Ruby Vineyard & Winery

The family purchased the property in late August, and while their first harvest ages in barrels, Ruby is pouring a selection of Montebruno Pinot Noirs from their winemaker, Joe Pedicini, who draws on his Italian immigrant roots and experience making wine with his father and grandparents using traditional methods.

Ruby is only open for tasting by appointment, but for Thanksgiving Wine Weekend is open Saturday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visitors. Otherwise explore their website to learn more about their slogan, “New wines from old vines,” see a picture of Stanley the dog in the vineyard–and to make an appointment to visit!

 

The iconic barn at Ruby

Red, White and Golden: The Colors of Oregon’s Washington County Wine Country

Posted on: September 7th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Apolloni Vineyards in the AutumnAutumn is a magical time in Washington County, located in the northern part of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It is a time of transition, when the bounty of harvest yields autumn crops, such as pumpkins, apples and potatoes, it also is a time when winemakers harvest their grapes and prepare for “crush,” which starts the arduous, yet fulfilling, wine making process.

Exploring Washington County’s wine country in the fall is a fantastic experience. From less-crowded tasting rooms to fun-filled events, October and November are premium months to visit the dozens of wineries in the area. Wineries perched atop mountains with amazing vistas also become ideal viewing spots, where onlookers can sip a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir while taking in the autumn sights:

  • Cooper Mountain Vineyards, a biodynamic and organic estate winery located atop Cooper Mountain in Beaverton, overlooks the green and golden Tualatin Valley.
  • Ardiri Winery and Vineyards boasts spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range and the valley below.
  • Elk Cove Vineyards sits atop a knoll in Gaston and has gorgeous views of vineyards and the scenic Coast Range.
  • David Hill Vineyard and Winery, located in Forest Grove and regarded as one of the most picturesque wineries in the Willamette Valley, offers sweeping views of the Tualatin Valley and the Coast Range.

October 6 marks the second annual North Willamette Harvest Trail, a day-long event that takes visitors through the wine-making process from the vineyard to the bottle, followed by a grand tasting featuring several wineries.

Give thanks with a glass of Oregon wine this holiday season. Most of Washington County’s wineries, including many that are not normally open to the public, welcome wine lovers to their wineries for Thanksgiving Wine Weekend. This annual event features special tastings, light appetizers, camaraderie and more.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to autumn in Oregon’s Washington County. View our visitor guide and plan your getaway today!

Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Posted on: August 24th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Squeeze out the last days of summer with a weekend getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Temperatures are cooling down with an average high of 80 degrees, but the fun is just heating up.

All Trails Lead to Nature

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

With cooler temperatures, why spend a day indoors when Washington County has myriad outdoor activities that are perfect for a summer day. Rent a bike (or bring your own) and ride along the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail (it’s 42 miles if you make it a round-trip ride). This gorgeous trail, along an abandoned railway, takes riders, hikers and equestrians down a relatively easy path through lush forests and along trestles and through L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park.

Head for the tranquil waters of the Tualatin River with a leisurely kayak or canoe ride. Rent a kayak or canoe or take part in a group paddle and the enjoy the natural surroundings, birds and wildlife.

For high-flying adventures, head over to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course and zip-line park. Explore the challenging aerial obstacle course, which features a total of 48  tree-top elements and 12 zip lines, or check out the new Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage Zip Line Tour, featuring six “extreme” zip-lines, a bridge and a rappel.  Adult prices start at $45 for the aerial ropes course; $75 for the Zip Line Tour.

Back by popular demand is the Zip, Sip & Stay passport, which includes a one-night stay in a deluxe suite, gourmet lunch, passes to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, wine tasting and a $29 wine voucher, and dining specials at local restaurants. Passports for two start at $245; family and combo passports also are available.

Sip Your Way Through Oregon’s Washington County

During Labor Day weekend, wineries in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in the Willamette Valley, will open their doors for the annual Explore, Tour & Taste event (September 1-3).  Several Washington County wineries will be hosting open houses, featuring special tastings, pre-harvest presentations and much more. Participating wineries include:  Alloro Vineyard, Anam Cara Cellars, Beckham Estate Vineyard, A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Freja Cellars, Gresser Vineyards and Ponzi Vineyards, and Raptor Ridge.  Tasting fees, times and details vary.

Or you can explore Washington County’s wine country with a self-guided tour. Visit our website for a list of wineries in the area and to plan your own excursion.

Shop ‘Til You Drop, Then Shop Some More

Shopping in Oregon’s Washington County is always a treat because it’s TAX FREE! Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to save even more with sales at popular local retail centers, such as Washington Square, Bridgeport Village and The Streets of Tanasbourne. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping at Sleighbells Farm & Gift, a year-round holiday store specializing in Christmas and holiday decor and collectibles, or Miki’s Christmas Shop, an Old-World inspired shop featuring a large variety of German holiday collectibles.

Plan Your Last-Minute Labor Day Getaway Today

Visit our website and plan your itinerary, or peruse our digital visitor guide for inspiration.